"If your kids are asking for something specific, especially if it's tied to a hot summer movie, I would urge parents to get those things early so they don't sell out," says RetailMeNot.com's Trae Bodge.

For basic supplies however, the best deals may be yet to come.

"Buy enough in August or July to get your child through the first couple of months of the school year, and then, look for sort of the rest to beef up your inventory in September, and even after that, in October," Ong says.

Research those big ticket items.

Ong says, "Do your comparison shopping early and online, and know that the season is a long season. So, know that you do have some time."

Although online shopping is a breeze, retailers may still have surprises in store.

"Stores are going to be doing a lot of interesting things to incentivize the consumer to come into the store and then push them all the way through the register. So, that we will see some interesting trends there for back to school, and very much so in the holiday season as well," Trae Bodge says.

And Consumer Reports reccomends that you also take advantage of Web-only specials, free shipping and discount codes to save online on your back to school shopping.